Numerical investigation on the behavior of eccentrically
loaded lightweight reinforced concrete columns at
elevated temperature
Haitham Al-Thairy | Faaiza Al-Naqeeb
Department of Civil Engineering, College
of Engineering, University of
Al-Qadisiyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
Correspondence
Haitham Al-Thairy, Department of Civil
Engineering, College of Engineering,
University of Al-Qadisiyah,
Al Diwaniyah, Iraq.
Email: haitham.althairy@qu.edu.iq
Abstract
In this paper, a numerical model is presented to simulate the behavior and failure
of lightweight reinforced concrete (LWRC) columns subjected to eccentric
compressive load at elevated temperature using the finite element code
ABAQUS. Validation of the numerical model was ensured throughout comparison
numerical results with the available published experimental tests results.
The validated numerical model was implemented in conducting extensive
parametric study to understand the effects of important parameters on the
response of eccentrically compressed LWRC column at elevated temperature.
These parameters include the effect of concrete cover, the effect of exposure
time, the effect of the exposed temperature, the effect of temperature distribution
around column section, the effect of temperature distribution along column
length, and the effect of eccentricity ratio. The numerical results
indicated that increasing the concrete cover of the column section results a
considerable increasing of the ultimate load capacity. In addition, there is an
increase in the ultimate load capacity when the temperature exposure time is
reduced to the half of the original exposure time. Whereas, if the exposure
period is increased to twice and three times the original exposure time, the
ultimate load shows a slight decrease. Moreover, the ultimate load capacity of
the LWRC column decreases when temperature is increased. Finally, the ultimate
load capacity increased of the LWRC column when the temperature is
distributed over larger distance of the column length.